Following an open casting call announced earlier this month, J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII is, according to The Hollywood Reporter, now looking to fill the role of a military officer in his 40s that the trade likens to Matt Damon’s role in Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium.

Abrams, meanwhile, today gives Total Film a brief update on the film’s pre-production and expresses his delight at working alongside screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan.

Working with Larry has been one of the most surreal joys of my life,” he says. “We’ve had a lot of fun working together. He’s an incredible guy and an inspiring and spectacular writer.”

The new film will be directed by Abrams and is being scripted by Abrams and Kasdan, who previously wrote the franchise’s “Episode V,” The Empire Strikes Back. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The film will open in 2D and 3D theaters on December 18, 2015.